Spring Forward by Restocking your Emergency Preparedness Kit

With Daylight Saving Time beginning at 2 a.m. Sunday, the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging Michiganders to restock their emergency preparedness kit as they “spring forward” and move their clocks ahead one hour.

“Michigan may see widespread flooding in the next couple of months,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “By taking the initiative this weekend to replenish or build an emergency preparedness kit, you will be better prepared in case an emergency or disaster happens.”

When a disaster strikes, you may have to evacuate, take shelter or go without basic services for hours or days. Having enough supplies to function without basic services—such as electricity or water—is critical during an emergency or disaster, as emergency workers may not be able to reach you right away.

Knowing you may have to survive on your own, you will need a supply of essential items—like food and water—to last at least three days, or 72 hours, per person. Using five-gallon buckets or similar containers, assemble a preparedness kit with the items you and your family will need during an emergency.

Essential items to include in an emergency preparedness kit are:

Water, at least three gallons of water per person for 72 hours

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food per person

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit

Whistle to signal for help

A complete change of clothing and footwear for each person

Bedding

Medications

Important family documents

Pet supplies (if necessary)

In addition, don’t forget to change the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend. For more information about what to do before, during and after an emergency, go to the MSP/EMHSD’s website at www.michigan.gov/beprepared or follow us on Twitter at @MichEMHS.